I have been fighting excessive heat on the top floor of my 3 story house all summer. See posting from Jun 18, 2008 titled "Efficiently Cooling 2 Story House".

I've done several things to attempt to decrease heat on the top floor (close warm air returns on main floor, increase size of warm air return on top floor, etc) which help but not too much.

One solution everyone seems to agree with is installing a whole house fan. My father in law is very handy (electrical, etc) and he would be glad to help but I fear he might get in over his head (forgive the pun).

My question... as a GENERAL RULE, understanding I've given no specifics on my house, is installing a whole house fan feasible for a DIY? Additionally, what detail would help assess the ease/difficulty of this project?

Once again, see additional details on my house, recommendations provided, etc by doing a key word search on "efficiently cooling 2 story house" and my user name is B5280high.

Thanks!

Check the framing in the ceiling where you intend to install this fan, if it is framed at 16" on center that means there is 14" in the clear between them. Look for a fan that will fit between the joists or will span two bays and not cause you to cut and head off the ceiling joist, they do make fans like this, all you have to cut is the drywall or plaster, have some one hold a box under the ceiling as you cut the hole from the attic, this will lessen the mess, Good luck, Mike